Mary has just been visited by the Angel and leaves immediately to visit her relative, Elizabeth, in Judah. This is a journey of approximately 90 miles. She travels through the precarious region of Samaria, probably down to Jericho, up to Jerusalem and on to the hillside where Elizabeth lives.

An old adage claims that “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”. Fear is not necessarily bad. It can be a warning of danger, a sign to take extra care to ensure that we and others are safe. Listening to our feelings of fear can be a very wise thing.

This passage comes at the end of a letter written to new Christians who found themselves in an uncomfortable minority in first century Asia Minor. The writer is sending words of encouragement to help them to strengthen their faith.